Describe Mr. Rochester’s proposal to Jane
Jane Eyre is a notable literary work by Charlotte Brontë. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Jane Eyre.
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Describe Mr. Rochester’s proposal to Jane. Why couldn’t their marriage take place at first? [NU: 2016, 21] ★★★
Charlotte Brontë (1816–1855) in “Jane Eyre” (1847) gives a very touching love story. The proposal scene at Thornfield is full of passion, surprise, and truth. Mr. Rochester asks Jane to marry him. Jane accepts, but their marriage faces a shocking stop. This moment shows the theme of love, equality, and moral struggle in Jane’s life.
The Romantic Proposal at Thornfield: Mr. Rochester hides his true feelings for a long time. Jane fears he will marry Blanche Ingram. But at last, one evening in the garden, Rochester speaks his heart. He says,
“Jane, will you marry me?”
He asks Jane to marry him. Jane is shocked but happy. She cries with joy. For the first time, she feels loved and respected.
Jane’s Acceptance and Joy: Jane is poor and plain. Yet Rochester values her spirit, not beauty or money. Jane accepts his proposal with a full heart. She says:
“I have as much soul as you,—and full as much heart!”
This shows her belief in equality in love. She feels strong and proud. The proposal becomes the happiest moment of her life.
The Hidden Wife and Broken Marriage: But on the wedding day, a terrible truth comes out. Rochester already has a wife, Bertha Mason. She is alive but insane. Rochester kept her locked in Thornfield. A man cries in the church:
“The marriage cannot go on.”
Jane is shocked and heartbroken. She refuses to live as his mistress. She leaves Thornfield, though she still loves him deeply.
Rochester’s proposal is full of passion and equality. Jane accepts with joy. But their marriage fails at first because of Bertha Mason. This moment shows Jane’s strong moral courage. She values self-respect more than passion.